Nunavut land referendum to take place in May 2016
News Release
For Immediate Release
Nunavut land referendum to take place in May 2016
IQALUIT, Nunavut (December 29, 2015) – Nunavummiut will have an opportunity to vote in a territory-wide land referendum on May 9, 2016. The referendum question will be: "Do you want the municipality of (city or hamlet name) to be able to sell municipal lands?"
"The outcome of the referendum will determine whether Nunavut municipalities can sell municipal lands or continue leasing them in the current manner," said Minister of Community and Government Services Joe Savikataaq. "The last land referendum took place in 1995. It’s once again time for municipal voters to choose whether to remove or keep the restriction on the sale of lands."
Under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, at any time after 20 years, municipal voters may choose by referendum whether to maintain or change the current leasehold title system.
With a "yes" decision, the hamlet or city council will have the option to sell certain municipal lots to an individual or company.
With a "no" decision, the hamlet or city council will keep ownership of all municipal lands and will continue to lease it. Council will grant the right to an individual or company to use certain lots in exchange for a lease fee.
Community information meetings will be held in each municipality starting in February 2016. Information about the Nunavut land referendum and upcoming community information meetings will be provided at a later date.
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Media Contact:
Ralph Ruediger
A/Assistant Deputy Minister
Department of Community and Government Services
867-645-8153